Capital Report: 11-21-2014

Florida State University students are back in class after a shooting at the campus library injured three people. The tragedy has raised the same question asked after any school shooting – how could this happen? But Regan McCarthy reports at Florida State, It’s also raised a stronger feeling of community and support.

The losses Democrats took during the 2014 midterm election are causing rifts within the party ranks. Still the general consensus is for the party to unite and move forward. But, as Sascha Cordner reports, some political scientists say that can only happen once what’s called the “blame game” phase is over.

The Florida House Speaker and Senate President set the tone and often choose priorities for each lawmaking session. As new legislative leaders took their oaths of office, Jessica Palombo reports, they talked about what Floridians can expect during their terms.

The high-profile case of a deaf inmate was the subject of lengthy debate Wednesday before the Florida Commission on Offender review. Lynn Hatter reports the panel heard perplexing, and at times emotionally-charged testimony before deciding whether to move up parole dates for two brothers accused of a 1980’s murder.

Next year, patients across Florida suffering from extreme seizures and a handful of other symptoms should be able to get their hands on low-THC marijuana, but exactly when next year is unclear. An administrative court scrapped much of the proposed distribution framework last week. Nick Evans reports that leaves stakeholders with hope for a better system, and certainty of a longer wait.

By an overwhelming margin, Florida voters okayed Amendment One earlier this month. Tom Flanigan spoke with an environmental reporter who’s been digging into how the amendment might actually be implemented by the Florida Legislature.